BD Wong Instagram Update about Sam Neill's passing 7/14/26
" #JurassicWorldDominion BTS! One small but real example of Sam Neill Magic, but it needs a tutorial: Don’t know if they did this on purpose, but a scene with ALL JWD principal actors/characters in it was scheduled for the FINAL night. This is the final MOMENT of the final TAKE of the final SHOT of the movie, all of us are crammed into a helicopter: Chris Pratt (& Beta), Bryce Dallas-Howard, Dewanda Wise, Mamoudou Athie, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, yours truly, & Sam Neill next to me. We’ve done the take, & cut. There’s about to be a HUGE announcement that the MOVIE IS WRAPPED. There’s this long, suspenseful pause to make sure everyone signs off on the final take. The guy with the reflective device is capturing the guides for post-CGI work. We’re being held in the chopper & strategizing about what we’ll do when they make the big announcement. Traditionally they give the actors a “curtain call” & everyone cheers. Before I started recording, someone suggested we celebrate by applauding the director of the film, Colin Trevorrow (he spearheaded the entire JW Trilogy), whom we all felt deserved the central flowers of the moment. So during this odd lull, we’re talking about how to behave as an ensemble. Jeff is talking about them saying “picture’s up” (lingo for “about to roll”) which is for the CGI guy, who gets his own shot (THAT’S actually the final shot tacked on, & the fact that they’ve moved onto CGI Guy indicates the “acting part” was deemed satisfactory, so we know it’s coming). Things to look for: we’re talking about “bowing to Colin”, to try & turn the attention to Colin instead of the actors (this shows what these people are like btw), Dewanda is way in front & Izzy Sermon is outside the chopper so we’re making sure they hear the plan. Laura is joking they forgot about us. Bryce’s wonderful big sister energy. But listen for Sam advocating for a Full Crew acknowledgement. It’s subtle, but here’s what Sam brought to the table: the reminder of being a small part of something bigger; so Sam. What a specific memory; I’m glad it was secretly captured! We miss our spiritual leader Sam Neill! "
